2016 Student Parent Guide

Revised August 17, 2015
2016 Virginia Governors

Foreign Language Academies
Guide for Students and

Parents/Guardians
2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Welcome to the application process for the 2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies,
which include full-immersion programs for French, German, and Spanish; and partial-immersion
programs for Japanese and Latin. The Governors Foreign Language Academies are
sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The availability of any or all the
Governors Foreign Language Academies is dependent upon local and state funding.
Please be aware that students must be nominated by their schools, and that schools are limited
in the number of students they may nominate. Students may not apply directly to the VDOE.
Interested home-school students should submit an application to the public high school they are
zoned to attend. Review the information carefully and speak with your world language teacher
or school counselor to ensure that you meet all school and state deadlines.
The application process is a joint effort involving the student, the local public or private high
school, the public school division, and the VDOE. This document contains general program
information about the Governors Foreign Language Academies. The application contains
portions that you and your parents/guardians must complete, and portions to be completed by
two teachers and your principal or headmaster. All parts of the application are available in Word
and .pdf formats at the following Web site:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml.
All applications must be complete and signed by the student and parent/guardian in order to be
considered. It is important to note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Please
review the information in this guide carefully and consult your school counselor or world
language teacher for additional deadlines.
Included in this Guide for Students and Parents/Guardians:
Introduction
Academic Programs
Program Descriptions
Nomination Criteria for Applicants
Student Selection Process
Standards of Conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Hints
Attachments
o A: Timeline for Submission of Application Documents
o B: Application assembly and mailing instructions
o C: State selection committees evaluation criteria
NOTE: The Summer Residential Governor's Schools (SRGS) have a separate application process and
timeline from the Governor's Foreign Language Academies.
The 2016 SRGS applications are available from the following Web site:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/index.shtml.
2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

Guide for Students and Parents/Guardians
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml
Page 1

INTRODUCTION
Since 1986, the Virginia Department of Education has sponsored Governor's Foreign Language
Academies, summer residential programs for Virginia's most motivated high school world
language students. As of August 2015, over 8,300 students have completed one of the
programs.
The Academies are some of the most notable developments in world language study to have
occurred in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They have come to signify what language
instruction is all about communication. The focus of the Academies is on using world
languages in a functional and meaningful way. A distinguishing feature of the Academies is that
everyone wants to be there and wants to learn. Excellent students and excellent faculty create
a highly stimulating environment. Students and faculty work closely together, and the closing
ceremony is always a bittersweet occasion. Most describe the language Academies as a mind
broadening experience, and the participants leave as changed young people.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Governors French Academy
Governors German Academy
Governors Spanish Academy
June 25-July 16, 2016
Washington & Lee University

Lexington
Governors Japanese Academy

Governors Latin Academy
June 26-July 17, 2016
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
The Virginia Governors Foreign Language Academies are three-week summer residential
programs for rising eleventh- and twelfth-grade world language students in the Commonwealth
of Virginia. The programs are financed jointly by the Commonwealth of Virginia and local school
divisions or private schools, pending available state funding.
Each Academy program is designed to provide a unique and exciting opportunity for
outstanding students who are interested in pursuing language studies in an intensive
environment. Each language Academy provides a curriculum that integrates classroom
instruction with a wealth of co- and extracurricular activities. Typical morning classes may
include history, literary topics, art history, and current civilization as well as language courses
such as grammar or phonetics. Immersion students are generally introduced to a third, lesscommonly taught language as one of their classes, and Latin students are introduced to ancient
Greek. Additional activities may include seminars, intra- and inter-Academy competitions,
cultural simulations, field trips, sports, and social activities. Evening and weekend activities that
are integral to the goals of the program include recreation, special events such as concerts or
plays, lectures by visiting scholars, movies, and student performances.

Page 2

French, German, and Spanish Academies (Full-Immersion)
The three full-immersion programs provide an intensive experience and unique challenge for
students who have excelled in language study to continue learning that language in a total
immersion environment. Formal classes generally take place during the mornings. In these
classes, the target language is used to present various topics. The topics vary depending on
the faculty, but a sample from previous Academies includes History of France, The Media in
Germany, Excerpts from Literature, Latin American Music, Life in France Today, etc. Native
speakers are often a part of the faculty. If possible, students are introduced to an additional
language not commonly taught in the schools. That language is chosen according to availability
of instructors who must be able to speak the language of the Academy and use it to teach a
third language. In the past we have offered Korean, Russian, or Arabic in French; Russian or
Turkish in German; and Greek, Italian, Russian, or Japanese in Spanish. This is often cited as
one of the most enlightening, valuable, and enjoyable features of the Academy. Sports, music,
dance, theater, creative projects, cooking, field trips, production of a memory DVD, and other
activities complement the instructional program.
Students in these full-immersion programs will be expected to conduct all communications in the
language(s) of their Academy and may be dismissed for intentionally or repeatedly speaking
English. Students of the immersion programs should also make every effort to AVOID hearing
and reading English (or any language not of their Academy), except in the situations mentioned
below. Therefore, you may not bring English-language music or nonreligious printed material
with you. This includes textbooks or grammar reference materials (other than dictionaries) with
explanations in English.
Of course, students may use English in a few situations: when interacting with law enforcement
or emergency personnel, when seeking health care, or during religious services. A student may
bring personal religious material printed in English. Students may also write and receive letters
from home in English. For other circumstances, immersion students will be provided with a
passport that they may show to others, indicating that they do understand English but are not
allowed to speak it.
At approximately 16 hours per day for 21 days, students speak, listen, read, write, and think in
the target language at least 336 hoursmore than double the amount possible during a typical
high school course. You may think that speaking French, German, or Spanish for three weeks
is formidable; however, over 4,950 students have successfully completed the immersion
programs since the pilot French Academy in 1986.
The full-immersion Academies were designed to provide an immersion setting for students who
have learned the Academy language in a traditional school setting. The focus is on the
development of oral fluency and ease of expression. Students who have already experienced
equivalent immersion opportunities or who are already fluent speakers of the Academy
language should not apply.
A statewide selection committee will make the final determination as to the appropriateness of
an applicants participation in this regard. Nominees will be rated on a point system that takes
into account a range of factors, including time spent abroad or in an immersion language camp,
frequency of language use, and whether the student is a heritage speaker of the Academy
language. The following could cause an applicant to be eliminated in the selection process:
Prior residence in a country where the language of the Academy is spoken, especially
since the age of 12;

Page 3

Extensive travel experiences in a country where the language of the Academy is spoken,
especially with regard to frequent opportunities for using the language;
Extensive full-immersion experiences (24 hrs/day) with the language of the Academy,
such as home-stay or travel/study programs in a country where the Academy language
is spoken, or participation in an immersion language program such as Concordia
Language Villages; or
Residence in a family where the language of the Academy is spoken in the home, or
regular contact with members of the extended family where the Academy language is
used for communication.
Extensive is defined as equivalent to an Academy in length and intensity; i.e., three or

more weeks in a full-immersion setting. Students with highly developed oral language skills do
not find the rigors of the Academy as challenging or rewarding as students of lesser proficiency
who, for the most part, have learned the language entirely in a classroom setting. Furthermore, it
is difficult for staff to accommodate students whose language skills are already sufficiently
developed. It is suggested that such students consider application to the partial-immersion
Japanese Academy or another similar program such as a STARTALK summer language program.
Information about the national STARTALK programs is available on the Web at
http://startalk.umd.edu.
NOTE: Participation in elementary, middle, and/or high school immersion programs within a
U.S. school setting does NOT eliminate students from consideration. These are not considered
to be 24-hour per day full-immersion settings.
Latin Academy
The Latin Academy provides an intensive experience for students who have excelled in the
study of Latin to continue learning in a setting unavailable in the regular school environment.
The Latin Academy is designed to provide a greater knowledge of the language and related
cultural topics than are typically offered in the regular school curriculum. In the past, such topics
as nonliterary Latin, philosophy, composition, sight reading, comedy, grammar, drama, ancient
art, and numismatics have made up the program. Students will also be introduced to Classical
Greek and have an opportunity to study and discuss some of the great literature and philosophy
of the western world. Any, all, or additional topics as they relate to the ancient world may
constitute the program this summer. Olympic games, sports, films, music, Greek dancing, guest
speakers, cultural activities, field trips, and other topics may be featured during the Academy. A
thematic approach will be used to unite all facets of the program.
Japanese Academy (Partial-Immersion)
The partial-immersion program in Japanese provides a unique and exciting opportunity for
interested students to be introduced to the Japanese culture and language, which is not widely
taught across the Commonwealth. The students will be introduced to the history, literature, and
culture of Japan as well as receive instruction in the language. Activities complementing the
instructional program may include art, dance, music, crafts, sports, creative projects, food
preparation, and field trips. Intermediate classes may also be available to students who
have studied Japanese, depending on the demand. The staff will differentiate instruction to
accommodate both those who have had some previous study of Japanese and those who have
not. This Academy is not appropriate for fluent or proficient speakers of Japanese.

Page 4

NOMINATION CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS
Students must be nominated by their schools and all applicants must be residents* of Virginia.
Schools are strongly encouraged to review the selection criteria with students and to assist
them in recognizing the competition they face at the state level. The school must order testing
material and provide appropriate, proctored testing locations for students applying to the
French, German, Latin, and Spanish Academies.
High schools submitting nominations may not discriminate on the basis of religious conviction,
race, color, gender, age, disability, national origin, or parent/guardian occupation. Schools
eligible to nominate students to the Academies include public high schools from a Virginia public
school division and private schools accredited by one of the approved accrediting constituent
members of the Virginia Council for Private Education. Home-school students may apply
through the public school they are eligible to attend tuition free. A state selection process will
determine who is accepted to participate.
The number of applicants per Academy allowed per school is based on the Average Daily
Membership (ADM) in grades 10, 11, and 12 of that school, as of September 30, 2015.
Enrollment in grades 10-12 as of
September 30, 2015
Number of nominees to the French, German,

Japanese, Latin, or Spanish Academies
1-750
1 per Language
More than 750
2 per Language
*For information regarding residency, please refer to Superintendents Informational

Memorandum Number 140, issued by the Virginia Department of Education on July 27, 2007,
available at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2007/inf140.html.
All nominees must meet the eligibility requirements below.
Eligible students:
must be juniors or mature sophomores during the current school year, 2015-2016;
must not have graduated before the opening of the Academy;
must be eligible to attend public school in Virginia tuition free (i.e., be residents of
Virginia as described in the Superintendents Memorandum referenced above);
must be nominated by a public high school from a Virginia public school division or by an
accredited private school;
may apply to only one Governors summer residential program or foreign language
academy per year;
may attend only one Governors summer residential program or foreign language
academy during their high school career; and
must be genuinely interested in attending the Virginia Governors Foreign Language
Academies and have the physical stamina as well as emotional maturity, stability, and
self-discipline to live away from home for an extended period.
Students applying to the Japanese Academy must have completed at least level two of ANY
world language prior to the beginning of the Academy but are not required to have previously
studied Japanese. Students currently studying Japanese are also encouraged to apply.

Page 5

Students applying to the Latin Academy must have completed at least level two of Latin prior to
the beginning of the Academy.
Students of the French, German, and Spanish Academies must meet the additional criteria
below. Eligible students:
must have completed at least level three of the language prior to the beginning of the
Academy;
must have developed good proficiency in using this language; and
must be willing to use the target language for all social and academic interactions.
NOTE: The immersion Academies are not designed for students with native or near-native
fluency in the target language. Please see page 4 of this guide for a full explanation of past language
experiences that could cause an applicant to be eliminated during the selection process.
STUDENT SELECTION PROCESS

Students undergo a rigorous selection process that begins with nomination by their schools.
Although open to all tenth- and eleventh-grade students in the Commonwealth (including homeschool as well as out-of-state private school students whose parents/guardians are residents of
Virginia), each school division or private school is limited to a specific number of nominees it
may send forward per language. Following the VDOEs announcement in October of the
availability of the respective programs for the summer, schools must choose which students
they will officially nominate. (Please refer to Attachment A for specific deadlines.)
Only a world language department chairperson or designee may request testing materials and
submit nominations. Students and parents/guardians may not make nominations. All
nominations must be submitted by the school according to the instructions in the Guide for
Schools, available online at
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml. The
person responsible for processing applications at the school level must see that all aspects of
the application are properly completed, assembled, and submitted as an integrated packet. All
nominations must be made on the forms provided by the Department of Education, available
from the above Web site.
Following the release of information about the availability of the summer programs, students
must complete the application, which requires two teacher recommendations including rating
scales and written narratives; the principals or headmasters recommendation; a student
transcript; and an essay or testing in the language, depending on the Academy.
The nominating school must submit a complete application packet for each nominee. Student
application packets, which must include the sealed envelopes with their completed testing
materials, if applicable, must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the VDOE by January 22,
2016. The process for assembling and mailing applications is described on the application, in a
separate section of this guide, and in the Guide for Schools available from the Web site.

Page 6

IMPORTANT: Students (and their parents/guardians) whose applications are not sent forward
for state-level consideration must be notified in writing by the school indicating that the student
was not selected by the division as a nominee. Divisions may be asked to provide this list to the
VDOE.
Following submission of the applications, the VDOE will process and verify completeness of
applications and prepare the materials for review by a statewide selection committee. The
selection committee, made up of teachers, supervisors, and other language experts, will meet to
carefully examine all application materials and evaluate student writing and speaking samples
and/or grammar tests. Selection is competitive and based solely on committee review and
evaluation of the applicants qualifications. The selection committee will recommend
participants and alternates, based on the strength of the student's application and language
abilities (where applicable). No individual nominee is guaranteed acceptance. See Appendix C
for the selection committees criteria.
In mid-April, the VDOE will mail letters to all nominees informing them of their status. Each
Academy is limited in the number of participants and alternates it can choose. Students invited
as participants or alternates must indicate by early May whether they intend to accept the
invitation. Qualified alternates will be chosen to replace any students who decline the invitation.
By May 1, additional information relating to each Academy will be posted on the Web site of the
host university. Included will be detailed information about what to bring and what to expect as
well as a variety of forms that must be printed, completed, signed, and returned to the Academy
director.
Testing for French, German, Latin, and Spanish Academy Nominees
The testing materials must be requested separately by the world language department
chairperson or designee at each school. The topics may not be requested by students or
parents/guardians. The order form is available as Attachment A of the Guide for Schools or
directly from the VDOE Academy Web page at
These testing materials must be requested by December 11, 2015.
Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) must be provided with testing
accommodations as outlined in the IEP. A copy of the relevant page(s) of the IEP should be
included with the students application. This information will be kept confidential and is not
available to the selection committee.
All full-immersion students use the same speaking and writing prompts but must respond in their
respective languages; therefore, all immersion nominees from a particular school must be
tested during the same block of time. Likewise, all nominees to the Latin Academy from a
particular school must be tested during the same block of time. Both parts of the test (speaking
sample and composition OR Latin grammar test and essay) must be completed in a supervised
testing environment proctored by a school staff member who is not a speaker or scholar of the
language being tested. Ideally, both parts of the test should be completed within the same
block of time, not to exceed two hours. At the time of testing, the proctor will open sealed
instructions containing topics and other information and give these to the student(s). Every
effort should be made to deliver an audible and/or legible product of good content, organization,
and structure. No one may provide assistance to the student in any way with either of these

Page 7

application components. If it is ascertained that this has happened, the applicant will be
automatically disqualified.
Nominees to the Latin Academy must take a Latin grammar test and write an essay in English
on a topic related to Roman society or mythology. Students
should come prepared with paper and pencils.
Nominees to the French, German, and Spanish Academies must
provide a speaking sample and write a composition in the target
language. The speaking sample should be recorded on a CD in
.mp3 format. The student must provide his or her own
writable CD and writing materials. The proctor should ensure
that the equipment works properly prior to beginning. We
suggest verifying audibility immediately following testing. If an
inaudible or otherwise unintelligible speaking sample is
submitted, the selection committee has no alternative but to
award the student a score of zero. Immersion students should
be advised that their speaking and writing samples carry the
most weight in the selection process.
If the school is unable to record

on CDs or has a question about
using the computer to do audio
recording, the school designee
or test proctor should contact
the VDOE specialist for foreign
languages for further
instructions.
Nominees to the Japanese Academy must write two essays in

English; the topic choices are included on the student application and the essays do not need to
be proctored. Nominees to this Academy may be beginners and will not be tested in Japanese,
however applicants will complete a language self-assessment to aid the program staff in
planning for instruction.
Acceptance and attendance at the Foreign Language Academies is a three-week
commitment. Careful consideration needs to be taken of family needs and personal
commitments prior to the submission of an application. Since spaces are highly competitive,
students who can make a full commitment to the program are given highest priority. A leave of
absence may be granted ONLY for family and/or medical emergencies.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Academy participants represent their school and school division or region. Each student acts as
an ambassador of his/her area. Attendance at a Foreign Language Academy is a privilege that
can be revoked. Academy students are expected to display common courtesy and respect for
staff and fellow students at all times.
Failure to comply with any of the following standards will result in immediate dismissal
from the program. Certain infractions may result in legal consequences as outlined in the
Code of Virginia.
Students shall not possess or use alcohol or illegal drugs. ( 4.1-305, 18.2-248, 22.1277.08, Code of Virginia)
Students shall not possess or use any kind of weapon. ( 22.1-277.07:1 Code of
Virginia)
Students shall not smoke, use or possess any tobacco product. ( 18.2-371.2, Code of
Virginia)

Page 8

Students shall not use or possess electronic cigarettes. ( 22.1-.279.6, 22.1-79.5, Code
of Virginia)
Students shall not leave campus or designated areas at any time without permission.
Students shall not visit the residential areas of the opposite sex at any time, nor enter
residence halls occupied by other groups on campus.
Students shall not steal/borrow without the owner's permission.
Students shall not treat faculty, staff, presenters, students, or others on campus in a
disrespectful manner.
Students shall not intentionally damage the property of others.
Students shall not commit any act of violence.
Students shall not bring a vehicle or ride in one unaccompanied by a staff member.
Participants are also subject to any law enforcement and/or disciplinary action that the
sponsoring school division or private school chooses to invoke.
We are fortunate to serve some of the brightest and most motivated language students in
Virginia. Therefore, disciplinary infractions are rare, and 98 to 99 percent of the students will
finish the program with no problems. However, each summer we typically dismiss one or two
students, most frequently for English spoken deliberately or repeatedly at a full-immersion
Academy, or for cell phone use or possession. In all cases of disciplinary issues or concerns,
parents/guardians will be informed as soon as possible.
Due to the highly structured nature of the program, we would like you to be aware of the
following rules in advance:
You are expected to:
be on time;
be prepared with needed materials;
show respect and consideration to others;
contribute positively to the community spirit of the Academy;
be responsible for your belongings;
carry your ID or swipe card at all times;
not go anywhere outside of the residence hall area unaccompanied by staff or without
permission;
not use telephones and e-mail; and
NEVER be in dorm rooms or halls of the opposite sex.
If you are dismissed from an Academy prior to the closing, we will notify your school division
superintendent or private school headmaster and will send copies of the letter to your public
school principal, your nominating teacher, and your parents/guardians. Your local school may
take additional disciplinary actions, at its discretion. Students that have been dismissed will not
receive an Academy certificate and may not indicate their attendance on college applications. If
a student is dismissed from the Academy, it shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian
to arrange for student transportation home or to assume the costs for transportation arranged by
the Academy director.
Dress Guidelines
To help ensure a respectful community of learners and an environment conducive to learning,
the Academies establish these guidelines for student dress:
Clothing should be neat, modest, comfortable and appropriate.

Page 9

Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

Shorts/skirts/dresses must be at least fingertip length.
Clothing should avoid spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, cleavage, exposed undergarments,
and offensive messages.
Outdoor temperatures are usually warm so bring light, mostly casual clothing; however,
the director will provide students with information about more formal activities.
Air conditioning keeps academic spaces chilly, so warmer attire is recommended
indoors.
Residence Halls
Roommate assignments are made very carefully to ensure that you meet as many fellow
students as possible. Male and female students will live in separate wings or floors of the
residence hall and will be able to meet only in common meeting areas. Teachers and resident
advisors (RAs) will live in the dorm with you and will be available at all times.
What to Bring
Detailed information will be provided in the student packet to be posted on the Web site of the
host site by the middle of May.
What NOT to Bring
Students shall not bring the following items:
Alcoholic beverages
Computers or electronic games
Televisions, VCRs, or DVD

players
Bicycles, roller blades, or

skateboards
Drugs other than medication

listed on the medical forms
Tobacco products including

electronic cigarettes
Candles or incense
Expensive jewelry or other

items
Telephones (including cell

phones) or pagers
Cars or other vehicles
Pets
Weapons, look alikes for

theatre, or laser pointers
Full-immersion students shall not bring radios, iPods, or other similar devices.
Correspondence/Communication with Home

You will not have access to telephones during the Academies, so we encourage
parents/guardians and friends to send frequent letters and packages via postal mail. Students
will be given time daily for correspondence. Students at the partial-immersion Japanese and
Latin Academies, which are not full-immersion programs, may have limited access to e-mail at
designated times.
Full-immersion students MAY write letters in English during time set aside daily for
correspondence, as an exception to the usual rule. However, friends and parents/guardians of
immersion students must not send magazines or other items in English, other than printed
religious materials and the actual correspondence.
Visitation
With the understanding that one of the purposes of the Academy is to achieve a cohesive, selfcontained environment in which students can learn and come to know one another with a

Page 10

minimum of external distractions, participants are allowed neither to receive nor make visits
during the three-week session. Please understand that these guidelines are established to
ensure that all participants derive maximum benefit from the program.
Cellular Phone Policy
Unauthorized use or possession of telephones, including cell
phones, is not allowed. Each Academy seeks to promote
Student cell phones
community among its members and recreate the culture(s) of
are not permitted for
the target language. This means fostering an environment
any
reason, including
with limited distractions. Over the past 28 years, we have
for use as a camera.
found that students appreciate the ability to concentrate on
new relationships within the community and leave behind, if
only for a brief time, the demands and interruptions that
everyday life imposes. The relationships that students build at the Academies often last into
adulthood, and many participants keep in touch and participate in informal reunions for many
years.
We believe that cellular phones impede the fundamental goals of the Academy experience. To
that end, we expect that students and parents/guardians will respect our community formation
process by leaving cell phones and similar wireless communication devices at home. This
policy is often more difficult for parents/guardians to accept than for students, because they
have become accustomed in recent years to being in constant contact with their children. For
information regarding security measures in place to protect the safety of students, please see
page 14 of this guide under the question What other services will be provided for
participants?
If a parent has questions regarding the cell phone policy, please contact Dr. Lisa Harris at 804225-3666 or Lisa.Harris@doe.virginia.gov no later than June 10, 2016.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the academic and social expectations for students?
Participants need to understand before they arrive that the primary purpose of the Academy is to
offer them a challenging and enriching academic and social program. Each program will include
clear expectations for students' class assignments, projects, and other activities. The majority of
the student's day is structured with morning classes, afternoon activities, field trips, and evening
events. Students will be interacting continually with staff members and other students, and must
be able to adapt to an intensive environment. They may be shy or introverted, but they must not
seek to insulate themselves from others all of the time. Academy students must be adaptable
team players and are expected to contribute positively to the Academy community through their
attitudes and choices.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning by attending classes,
completing assignments, participating in group study and practice, and being well prepared to
learn each day. This program expects students to be physically as well as mentally motivated to
participate fully in both academic and social activities. It is imperative that students assess their
own mental and physical health, as well as their motives for attending the Foreign Language
Academies, before applying for this program. Students must have the necessary stamina for life
on a college campus, which includes extensive movement outdoors among the residence hall,
classrooms, dining hall, recreation fields, and other locations throughout the day.
Page 11

Faculty and staff are employed as mentors, teachers, and resident advisors. The school
maintains a very low student-to-teacher ratio; however, the program is not able to make a oneto-one assignment of student to staff member. For that reason, students should be in good or
excellent health, be able to demonstrate necessary self-discipline, and, if necessary, to selfmedicate.
How is the program administered?
The Governors Foreign Language Academies operate under the auspices of the Virginia
Department of Education. While the Academies are in session, the host site program
coordinator and/or Academy director has the responsibility for operating the specific program.
The director's responsibility is to provide a challenging, academic program and to maintain an
atmosphere conducive for participants to meet those challenges. All directors and staffs are
dedicated to providing an educational opportunity for motivated students that is commensurate
with the abilities and interests of those students. Some of the faculty and staff are themselves
former foreign language academy participants.
What is the "typical" daily schedule?
In order to allow students to make the most of the experience, every day Monday through
Saturday includes classes until at least lunch; lectures, field trips, projects, and recreation time
in the afternoon; and evening activities that do not end until shortly before lights out. Sunday
mornings are free, but the afternoons and evenings will be packed with activities.
Individual Academy schedules and course descriptions will be provided in a student packet
available in late May from the host sites Academy Web pages. Prospective applicants should
take note of the highly-structured nature of a typical day at the Academies. There is very little
free time and you are expected to participate in all classes and activities.
In addition to classes, students will learn traditional crafts and/or dances, attend guest lectures,
watch films in the language or relating to the culture, and may go on several field trips to learn
more about the target culture(s) and history. Afternoon activities will include a variety of group
projects that students will work on consistently over the three-week period. These vary by
Academy, but often include video production, newspaper, theater, chorus/music, and the
production of a memory DVD that will be distributed to students at the end of the experience.
Many of these activities will be highlighted during the closing ceremonies.
Students will eat most meals on campus at the host site dining facility. The schedule is
staggered to allow each Academy to eat together as an individual group. The dining hall offers
a variety of food choices daily. Occasionally students may visit a local restaurant or participate
in a specially prepared banquet reflecting the cuisine of the target culture.
Is there free time?
A small portion of the daily schedule provides for free time. Students may prepare work, read,
write letters, do laundry, etc. However, this time is very limited. Students should not expect to
complete summer assignments (AP reading, etc.) during the program.
What kinds of recreational and social events are planned?
Many different recreational activities are provided, including such activities as soccer, Frisbee,
volleyball, and dance. Students will often have an opportunity to learn an activity that is new to
them. Some events are planned for the enjoyment of the students and to assure a balance of

Page 12

activities. Dances, athletic events, variety shows, banquets, etc., are examples of the social
events.
Supervised recreational activities will be available, and all students will be expected to
participate. While there is some time for organized recreation almost every day, please realize
that athletes will have to make adjustments to their usual training. Any Academy student may
sign up for supervised jogging on Monday through Saturday mornings before breakfast;
however, you will not have access to sports facilities during free time.
Are there field trips?
Various field trips may be planned to augment the academic and cultural program. Destinations
may include art museums, parks, and other cultural sites.
Are grades and credit granted?
Students receive Certificates of Commendation at the close of each program. Although grades
and credit are not given during the Academies, you will receive feedback on your work and
should be prepared for some homework.
Are these programs open to Virginia students who attend schools in other states?
Students who attend private schools outside Virginia but whose parent(s)/guardian(s) are
residents of Virginia may be nominated by their schools following the same procedure as for
public and private schools in Virginia.
What is the cost to participants?
Participants are expected to pay a $50 materials fee for take-home items produced by and for
the students during the Academies, including an Academy t-shirt, digital memory book, and
other Academy-specific memorabilia. These items become valued keepsakes for Academy
participants. Each student must also provide his/her own spending money and transportation to
and from the program. In the event a student cannot afford these expenses, the school division
or private school is encouraged to assist the student with these expenses. These extracurricular activities fees may be waived or reduced for economically disadvantaged students
and those students whose families are undergoing economic hardship and are financially
unable to pay. Fee Waiver Application forms are included in the host-site welcome packet for
students who are accepted to one of the Academies.
The cost of tuition, room and board, instructional materials, academic field trips, and other
activities planned for the program will be paid from state and local funds, pending available
funding. The 2016 per-student cost is expected to be no more than $2,400. The public school
division that nominates a student enrolled in that division stipulates that it will pay its share of the
per-student cost, as determined by the school division's current composite index of local ability-topay. The state pays the remaining share. Information about the current composite index of local
ability-to-pay for each public school division is available online at
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/school_finance/budget/compositeindex_local_abilitypay/index.shtm
The local share for private schools is 50 percent of the tuition per student. Parents of private
school nominees should contact the school to determine how the tuition will be handled. The
state pays the remaining share. Parents of home-school students should refer to the following
question, which addresses their participation.
Are these programs open to home-school students?
Home-school students must submit a completed application to the principal of the public high
Page 13

school that they are zoned to attend. These applications then become part of the schools
application and nomination process. However, according to the state Appropriation Act, public
schools are obligated to contribute the local share of the tuition only for students enrolled in
public schools. Parents of home-school students should confirm with the local school division
how its share of the tuition will be handled. The state will pay the remaining share. According
to the current Appropriations Act:
Chapter 2, Item 136 C.28. Governors School Payments
b. Out of the amounts for Governor's School Payments, the Department of
Education shall provide assistance for the state share of the incremental cost of
summer residential Governor's Schools and Foreign Language Academies to be
based on the greater of the state's share of the composite index of local ability-topay or 50 percent. Participating school divisions must certify that no tuition is
assessed to students for participation in this program if they are enrolled in a
public school.
Will students be able to attend religious services during the Academies?
Interested students may attend religious services within close walking distance of the residence
hall, if available. Please understand that selections may be limited, although we will make our
best effort to accommodate your needs. A teacher or RA also attending services will
accompany the students. Students wishing to attend services must return a signed form giving
parental permission to attend services off campus. This form will be provided in the information
available to invited students in mid-May.
What other services will be provided for participants?
The students health and security are of utmost concern to all staff members. Any illness or
injury, whether slight or severe, must be reported immediately to a member of the staff. The
director will notify the parents/guardians and keep them informed. Injured or ill students will be
accompanied to campus health services or nearby medical facilities. It is the responsibility of
parents/guardians to ensure that the Academy director has all necessary medical information,
including insurance and inoculation information. Parents/guardians are responsible for the
payment of all medical and emergency services rendered, including transportation to medical
facilities. Any and all medications (including over-the-counter drugs) must be in original
containers and must not exceed the amount needed for the duration of the Academy, and
students must be able to self-medicate.
Students are accompanied by staff members at most times when moving about the campus.
Staff members do have cell phones and are able to contact one another or emergency services
in the event of a problem. Staff members will subscribe to the emergency alert text message
system of the host institution, if one is available. Parents/guardians will receive contact
information for the residence hall and director at check-in. For occasional short walks on
campus, such as returning to the residence hall for forgotten items, students must be in groups
of at least three and have prior permission from a staff member.
Accommodations are made for individuals with disabilities; please contact Dr. Lisa Harris,
specialist for foreign languages, at (804) 225-3666 or Lisa.Harris@doe.virginia.gov for more
information concerning those arrangements.
Will participants be granted a leave of absence from the program?
No. A basic principle of the Academy atmosphere is the intensity and uninterrupted nature of
the experience. Students and parents/guardians must understand before applying that the
Page 14

students are making a commitment to remain in the Academy for the entire length of the
program and are expected to be present from the opening ceremony until the end of the closing
ceremony on the last day. If parents/guardians or students anticipate conflicts of any kind, the
students should not apply. They may not compromise the experience except in the case of a
medical or family emergency. Medical and family emergencies include major illness,
hospitalization, or death of an immediate family member or guardian.
Where does one get additional information about the Governors Foreign Language
Academies?
The world language or gifted education coordinator in your school division, high school principal,
head of private school, secondary school counselor, world language teacher, or the VDOE can
provide details about the program. Applications and general information are available at
HELPFUL HINTS
It is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to ensure that all requested personal
information is complete, accurate, and legible. Students should request teacher
recommendations and transcripts as early as possible. Incomplete applications received by
the VDOE will not be processed.
Recommendations
Notify your language teacher or school counselor as early as possible that you are
interested in being considered for nomination by your school.
Review the entire application packet before completing the student portion.
Complete all items and answer questions thoroughly.
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY. This application can be completed using a formprotected Word file available from the VDOE Academy Web site.
Return the completed and signed student and parent/guardian sections to the person in
the school responsible for the assembly and submission of the nomination materials.
Request teacher recommendations from your current world language teacher and one
other adult such as a non-world language teacher, coach, or advisor. Please allow them
at least one week to complete the recommendation. The teachers should give the
completed recommendations directly to the person responsible for the assembly and
submission of the nomination materials.
Please allow the school ample time to assemble and mail the packets by the postmark
deadline. We recommend that the entire packet be completed at least one week prior to
the postmark deadline; however, schools may set earlier deadlines. Please verify all
deadlines with your school.
Verify with your school that the entire application packet has been postmarked or handdelivered to the Virginia Department of Education by Friday, January 22, 2016.
Directions for packaging and mailing are included on the following pages (Attachment
B), as well as in the Guide for Schools available from the VDOE Academy Web site.
Include a stamped, self-addressed postcard with your name and the Academy to which
you are applying if you would like verification of receipt by the VDOE.

Page 15

ATTACHMENT A
TIMELINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
DATE
October 2015
Mid-November 2015
Early December
2015
December 11, 2015
December 2015 to
early-January 2016
January 12, 2016
January 22, 2016
April 14, 2016
April 28, 2016

May 1, 2016
May 20, 2016
ACTIVITY
Applications made available by the VDOE on Web site and
program announced to students by local schools.
Suggested deadline for student to notify world language teacher
of interest in applying.
Suggested time for schools to convene local selection
committees to choose nominees.
Deadline for world language department chairperson to order
testing materials for full-immersion Academies (French, German,
Spanish) and Latin Academy.
Suggested time for schools to administer language tests for
nominees to the immersion Academies and Latin Academy.
(There is no test for the Japanese Academy.)
Deadline for students to submit completed applications to local
school and for schools to notify school divisions gifted education
coordinators and world language supervisors or private school
headmasters of names of student nominees. (Schools may set
earlier deadlines.)
Postmark deadline for schools to mail or hand deliver
assembled student application packets.
Deadline for public school divisions to enter student information
online through a secure Web site and mail signed verification
report forms to the VDOE.
Deadline for private schools to mail Head of School Tuition
Certification.
VDOE mails letters to all nominees notifying them of their status.
Status reports will be sent to all division or private school gifted
education and/or world language coordinators about one week
prior to this date.
Deadline for students to indicate their acceptance of the
invitation to participate or intent to remain on the alternate list.
Program participants access online detailed information from the
Academy director.
Deadline for program participants to mail required forms directly
to the individual Academy director.
Please make note below of additional dates provided by your school counselor or world
language teacher.

Page 16

ATTACHMENT B
All completed application forms and supporting materials must be postmarked by

Friday, January 22, 2016, to be considered. No exceptions will be made. The
individual at the school responsible for assembly and mailing should return the
application to:
U.S. MAIL
Dr. Lisa Harris
Specialist for Foreign Languages
Virginia Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120
FEDEX/UPS
Dr. Lisa Harris
Specialist for Foreign Languages
Virginia Department of Education
James Monroe Building 23rd Floor
101 North 14th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Instructions for Assembly of Applications

Use a separate manila envelope (approximately 9" x 12") for each student.
Neatly label the FRONT of the envelope with a black marker as indicated below:
o Students name (last name, first name) in the UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER
o Language Academy to which the student is applying in the UPPER RIGHT
HAND CORNER
Place ALL materials for that student into the envelope, except for the checklist.
o Keep the checklist separate and use it to ensure that the application packet is
complete.
o Include all documents on the checklist (in order), including the cover sheet,
speaking tape or CD, envelopes containing the composition(s), grammar test,
signed student/proctor sheets, and optional reply card, as appropriate.
o Do not use staples to keep any pages of the application together.
Staple the checklist to the BACK of the sealed envelope as indicated below. Please do
not tape, glue, or otherwise permanently affix the checklist to the envelope.
Repeat the above process for each student.

Place the labeled manila envelope(s) containing the assembled application(s) into
a separate mailing envelope or box.
o Please stack applications neatly and do not fold applications.
o Address and seal the mailing envelope or box.
Mail or hand-deliver to the address above.
We recommend that the school keep a copy of the student application on file
(except for testing materials) until the Academies have ended.

Page 17

ATTACHMENT C
Selection Committee Evaluation Criteria

French, German, Spanish Academies
Teacher Recommendations:
Average of points given by the two
teachers recommending
Teachers general comments and
answers to specific questions
Application:
Student answers to questions;
honors, activities
Academic status (principals form
and transcript with emphasis on
target language)
Language travel/experience (no
points given if extensive, i.e.,
equivalent to the Academy)
Composition in target language:
Content
Clarity of Expression
Organization
Vocabulary
Grammatical Accuracy
Speaking test in target language:
Amount of communication
Quality of communication (fluency)
Pronunciation
Vocabulary
Structure
Latin Academy
Application:
honors, activities
Latin)
Composition in English on Roman topic:
Content
Force of reasoning
Originality and creativity
Organization: Flow of thought and
structure
Breadth of vocabulary
Spelling and grammatical accuracy
Grammar test
Japanese Academy
Application:
honors, activities
language)
Essay in English:
Content
Force of reasoning
Originality and creativity
Organization: Flow of thought and
structure
Breadth of vocabulary
Spelling and grammatical accuracy
Avoid these common errors:

Application postmarked after January 22,
2016
General procedures not followed:
Application pages out of order
Missing information/sections
Second recommendation is from
another world language teacher
Missing signatures or Xeroxed
signature pages
Items for same student sent
separately
Cover sheet not completed
Wrong application form used
Testing procedures not followed:
Proctor is a speaker/scholar of the
language being tested
Missing signatures on
student/proctor sheets
Dates/times differ on
student/proctor sheets
Students at same school tested on
different days (all immersion
should be on same day; all Latin
should be on same day)

Page 18

2016 Student Parent Guide

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2016 Student Parent Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Revised August 17, 2015

2016 Virginia Governors

Guide for Students and

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

June 25-July 16, 2016

Washington & Lee University

Governors Japanese Academy

June 26-July 17, 2016

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

Extensive is defined as equivalent to an Academy in length and intensity; i.e., three or

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

Number of nominees to the French, German,

More than 750

*For information regarding residency, please refer to Superintendents Informational

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

STUDENT SELECTION PROCESS

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

If the school is unable to record

Nominees to the Japanese Academy must write two essays in

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

Computers or electronic games

Televisions, VCRs, or DVD

Bicycles, roller blades, or

Drugs other than medication

Tobacco products including

Expensive jewelry or other

Telephones (including cell

Cars or other vehicles

Weapons, look alikes for

Correspondence/Communication with Home

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

Complete all items and answer questions thoroughly.

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES

TIMELINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

January 12, 2016

January 22, 2016

April 14, 2016

April 28, 2016

2016 Governors Foreign Language Academies

2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNORS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMIES